New Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Confirmed

The United States Senate yesterday confirmed new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan.

McAleenan has served as Acting Commissioner since January of last year. According to the official press release issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), McAleenan has “also held several other leadership positions within CBP, including Acting Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Field Operations and Area Port Director of Los Angeles International Airport.”

DHS notes that, “In 2015, Commissioner McAleenan was awarded a Presidential Rank Award for his sustained extraordinary accomplishments at CBP. In 2005, he received the Service to America Medal, Call to Service Award, for his efforts to develop and implement a comprehensive anti-terrorism strategy for border security post-September 11, 2001. Commissioner McAleenan has been a member of the U.S. Government’s Senior Executive Service since 2006. Prior to government service, he practiced law in California, and received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Chicago Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Amherst College.”

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), which represents agents and officers across all federal law enforcement agencies, including CBP, welcomed Commissioner McAleenan’s confirmation. FLEOA National President Nathan R. Catura said, “The Senate’s confirmation ensures Commissioner McAleenan can continue doing the good work he’s done as acting commissioner for the past fourteen months, furthering the fundamental mission of ensuring American border and national security.”